Kids: takes risks now and be safer later!

A place which has holidayed 4 generations of my extended family for nearly 60 years, has recently fenced off an area of river-bank which had been open for as long as we've been going there.They have previously curtailed any intrepid exploring by creating wide wood-chipped pathways,(thereby removing the nessesity of bush-whacking nettles for hours); taken down rope swings and on-going, removed the lower branches on trees to deter children from climbing up them. When I took umbridge with the new fence, their reply was of course "Health & Safety". I asked them if they were planning to fence off the sea!

There are few places left where kids can run truly wild, take risks and get a handle on what is really dangerous and what may just culminate in a need for TCP, a compress of frozen peas, or a trip to the local A&E.

With this in mind, here's an article from this weekend's Observer, re-affirming that children who are allowed to take risks, learn an essential life skill in how to be safe.

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/jun/14/should-i-let-my-child-take-more-risks

An organisation who promote and uphold this value are "Playing Out" and they have a vibrant branch in Bristol. If you're keen to get your kids playing as kids should, take a look: http://playingout.net/

Get up, stand up!

I know I have flagged this up previously, but here is another article from Medscape on the benefits, really the necessity, of standing up and moving around! Of all the things we can do to improve our overall health, this one seems the most important, and the most attainable. So if you're reading this sat down, stand up and walk around a bit afterwards, just like I will do once I've pressed "send"! And do read to the end of the article, just so you get the gem of the last sentence. Then, seriously, stand up!

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/845770

Neals Yard Remedies... the bigger picture!

Most Bristol locals will know that we have an excellent branch of Neals Yard Remedies on Whiteladies Rd, Clifton. But how many of us know more than those distinctive beautiful blue bottles. Although it's from last summer, here's a fascinating article I found in The Guardian, about Neals Yard bigger picture.

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/aug/07/herbal-remedies-take-healthier-lessons-from-land-neals-yard

Also, if Bath is more convenient for you, Giles sees patients at the Neals Yard branch there on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Ring 01225 466944 for details.

May is Osteoporosis Awareness Month!

A month ago I joined the growing band of Bristol Nordic Walkers. www.bristolnordicwalking.co.uk
If you have ever seen a tribe striding out with poles over The Downs or Ashton Court, then it's likely I will have been there. One of our instructors, Vicky, has written an excellent article on Osteoporosis, laying out very clearly the steps that all of us can take to help keep our bones whole and healthy. Read on...

http://www.bristolnordicwalking.co.uk/blog/stay-strong-osteoporosis-and-how-avoid-it

The British Gut Project.

Barbara has flagged up this interesting crowd-funded project, allowing people to find out what microbes are living in their guts (also, mouth and skin). "You are what you eat!" has probably never rung more true than when it comes to the good and bad bacteria living in our gut. Do read the article, and consider sending a sample... for you, your partner, or your whole family. Proof that pesents need never be boring!
http://www.britishgut.org/

Exam Nerves!

Both Giles and I currently have sons sitting their GCSE exams. Although we might say our exam nerves are worse than theirs, here's an informative article from The Guardian on ways to keep the tension under control and get the best results possible.

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/may/10/can-i-do-anything-to-stop-test-anxiety-exams-fear

Additionally, here at The Chandos Clinic, our reflexologist Anne Brunton offers sessions particuarly geared towards combatting exam stress.

As for Giles and I, we are both counting down the days until it will all be over (bar the waiting!)

Let them eat cake!

I have been trawling the net for over an hour, and I can't find anything that isn't Election related. So in the end, I've defaulted to a recipe! Probably not much healthy and nutritious about it, but I think we all deserve a bit of post Election comfort right now. (And when else can you get to indulge in "a melange of spices") Enjoy!

http://relish.com/recipes/election-cake/